The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2014

Weekly Address: Making 2014 a Year of Action to Expand Opportunities for the Middle Class

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama said 2014 will be a year of action, and called on both parties to help make this a breakthrough year for the United States by bringing back more good jobs and expanding opportunities for the middle class.

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, January 18, 2014. 

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address

The White House

January 18, 2014

Hi, everybody.  This week, I visited a company in Raleigh, North Carolina that helps make electric motors that save businesses money on energy costs and cut harmful carbon pollution. 

And I stopped by N.C. State University, where engineers are set to develop the new technology that will make those motors even better.

It’s part of my push not only to make America home to more high-tech manufacturing – but to make America more attractive for the good jobs that a growing middle class requires. 

And increasingly, we are.  Thanks in part to our all-of-the-above strategy for American energy, for the first time in nearly two decades, we produce more oil here at home than we buy from the rest of the world.  We generate more renewable energy than ever, and more natural gas than anybody.  Health care costs are growing at their slowest rate in 50 years – due in part to the Affordable Care Act.  And since I took office, we’ve cut our deficits by more than half.

So we are primed to bring back more of the good jobs claimed by the recession, and lost to overseas competition in recent decades.  But that requires a year of action.  And I want to work with Congress this year on proven ways to create jobs, like building infrastructure and fixing our broken immigration system.

Where Congress isn’t acting, I’ll act on my own to put opportunity within reach for anyone who’s willing to work for it. That’s what I did in Raleigh by launching America’s second “manufacturing innovation institute.”  It’s a partnership between companies, colleges, and the federal government focused on making sure American businesses and American workers win the race for high-tech manufacturing and the jobs that come with it – jobs that can help people and communities willing to work hard punch their ticket into the middle class. 

I firmly believe that this can be a breakthrough year for America.  But to make that happen, we’re gonna have to act – to create good jobs that pay good wages, and to offer more Americans a fair shot to get ahead.  That’s what I’m focused on every day that I have the privilege of serving as your president. That’s what I’m going to be focused on every single day of this year.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

Letter from the President -- OCO Designation 2014 Omnibus IDLs

January 17, 2014

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

In accordance with section 6 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (the "Act"), I hereby designate for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Act pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts.

The details of this action are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3547

On Friday, January 17, 2014, the President signed into law:

H.R. 3547, the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014," which provides fiscal year 2014 appropriations for projects and activities of the Federal Government through September 30, 2014.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

Readout of National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice’s Meeting with Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi at the White House

Today National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice hosted Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi for a meeting at the White House.  During the meeting, they agreed to frequent regular communications between the two National Security Councils.  They also discussed updating our defense partnership and our cooperative efforts to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  In addition, members of Mr. Yachi’s delegation held consultations with members of the National Security Council staff, who look forward to close and continuing consultation with the new Japanese National Security Council and its leadership to further advance strong U.S.-Japan relations.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

Statement from the President on the Retirement of Senator Tom Coburn

Those of us who have had the privilege of serving with Tom Coburn will be sad to lose him as a colleague here in Washington.  Tom and I entered the Senate at the same time, becoming friends after our wives struck up a conversation at an orientation dinner.  And even though we haven’t always agreed politically, we’ve found ways to work together – to make government more transparent, cut down on earmarks, and fight to reduce wasteful spending and make our tax system fairer.  The people of Oklahoma have been well-served by this “country doctor from Muskogee” over the past nine years, and I’m confident that Tom’s strength and optimism will carry him through the battles to come.  Michelle and I will always be grateful to Tom and Carolyn for their friendship, and we wish them all the best in all the years ahead.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

FACT SHEET: Review of U.S. Signals Intelligence

In the latter half of 2013 and early 2014, the United States Government undertook a broad-ranging and unprecedented review of our signals intelligence programs, led by the White House with relevant Departments and Agencies across the Government. In addition to our own intensive work, the review process drew on input from key stakeholders, including Congress, the tech community, civil society, foreign partners, the Review Group on Intelligence and Communication Technologies, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, and others.  The Administration’s review examined how, in light of new and changing technologies, we can use our intelligence capabilities in a way that optimally protects our national security while supporting our foreign policy, respecting privacy and civil liberties, maintaining the public trust, and reducing the risk of unauthorized disclosures. On January 17, 2014, the President delivered a speech at the Department of Justice to announce the outcomes of this review process.

In that speech, the President made clear that the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community, including the NSA, consistently follow those protocols designed to protect the privacy of ordinary people and are not abusing authorities. When mistakes have been made, they have corrected those mistakes.  But for our intelligence community to be effective over the long haul, we must maintain the trust of the American people, and people around the world. To that end, the Administration has developed a path forward that we believe should give the American people greater confidence that their rights are being protected, while preserving important tools that keep us safe, and that addresses significant questions that have been raised overseas.  Today the President announced the Administration’s adoption of a series of concrete and substantial reforms that the Administration will adopt administratively or seek to codify with Congress, to include a majority of the recommendations made by the Review Group.

New Presidential Policy Directive

Today, President Obama issued a new presidential policy directive for our signals intelligence activities, at home and abroad. This directive lays out new principles that govern how we conduct signals intelligence collection, and strengthen how we provide executive branch oversight of our signals intelligence activities.  It will ensure that we take into account our security requirements, but also our alliances; our trade and investment relationships, including the concerns of our companies; and our commitment to privacy and basic liberties. And we will review decisions about intelligence priorities and sensitive targets on an annual basis, so that our actions are regularly scrutinized by the President’s senior national security team.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC)

Since the review began, we’ve declassified over 40 opinions and orders of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which provides judicial review of some of our most sensitive intelligence activities – including the Section 702 program targeting foreign individuals overseas and the Section 215 telephone metadata program. Going forward, the President directed the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Attorney General, to annually review – for the purpose of declassification – any future opinions of the Court with broad privacy implications, and to report to the President and Congress on these efforts.  To ensure that the Court hears a broader range of privacy perspectives, the President called on Congress to authorize the establishment of a panel of advocates from outside the government to provide an independent voice in significant cases before the Court.

Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

Section 702 is a valuable program that allows the government to intercept the communications of foreign targets overseas who have information that’s important to our national security. The President believes that we can do more to ensure that the civil liberties of U.S. persons are not compromised in this program. To address incidental collection of communications between Americans and foreign citizens, the President has asked the Attorney General and DNI to initiate reforms that place additional restrictions on the government’s ability to retain, search, and use in criminal cases, communications between Americans and foreign citizens incidentally collected under Section 702.

Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act

Under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act the government collects meta-data related to telephone calls in bulk.  We believe this is a capability that we must preserve, and would note that the Review Group turned up no indication that the program had been intentionally abused. But, we believe we must do more to give people confidence. For this reason, the President ordered a transition that will end the Section 215 bulk metadata program as it currently exists, and establish a program that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding the data.

This transition has two steps. Effective immediately, we will only pursue phone calls that are two steps removed from a number associated with a terrorist organization instead of three.  The President has directed the Attorney General to work with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court so that during this transition period, the database can be queried only after a judicial finding, or in a true emergency. On the broader question, the President has instructed the intelligence community and the Attorney General to use this transition period to develop options for a new program that can match the capabilities and fill the gaps that the Section 215 program was designed to address without the government holding this meta-data, and report back to him with options for alternative approaches before the program comes up for reauthorization on March 28.  At the same time, the President will consult with the relevant committees in Congress to seek their views, and then seek congressional authorization for the new program as needed.

National Security Letters

In investigating threats, the FBI relies on the use of National Security Letters (NSLs), which can be used to require companies to provide certain types of information to the government without disclosing the orders to the subject of the investigation. In order to be more transparent in how the government uses this authority, the President directed the Attorney General to amend how we use NSLs to ensure that non-disclosure is not indefinite, and will terminate within a fixed time unless the government demonstrates a need for further secrecy. 

We will also enable communications providers to make public more information than ever before about the orders they have received to provide data to the government.  These companies have made clear that they want to be more transparent about the FISA, NSL and law enforcement requests that they receive from the government.  The Administration agrees that these concerns are important, and is in discussions with the providers about ways in which additional information could be made public.

Increasing Confidence Overseas

U.S. global leadership demands that we balance our security requirements against our need to maintain trust and cooperation among people and leaders around the world.  For that reason, the new presidential guidance lays out principles that govern what we do abroad, and clarifies what we don’t do.  The United States only uses signals intelligence for legitimate national security purposes, and not for the purpose of indiscriminately reviewing the e-mails or phone calls of ordinary people. 

What we don’t do: The United States does not collect intelligence to suppress criticism or dissent. We do not collect intelligence to disadvantage people based on their ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. And we do not collect intelligence to provide a competitive advantage to U.S. companies, or U.S. commercial sectors.

What we will do: In terms of our bulk collection, we will only use data to meet specific security requirements: counter-intelligence; counter-terrorism; counter-proliferation; cyber-security; force protection for our troops and allies; and combating transnational crime, including sanctions evasion.

The President has also decided that we will take the unprecedented step of extending certain protections that we have for the American people to people overseas. He has directed the Attorney General and DNI to develop these safeguards, which will limit the duration that we can hold personal information, while also restricting the dissemination of this information.

People around the world – regardless of their nationality – should know that the United States is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security and takes their privacy concerns into account.

This applies to foreign leaders as well. Given the understandable attention that this issue has received, the President has made clear to the intelligence community that – unless there is a compelling national security purpose – we will not monitor the communications of heads of state and government of our close friends and allies. And he has instructed his national security team, as well as the intelligence community, to work with foreign counterparts to deepen our coordination and cooperation in ways that rebuild trust going forward.

While our intelligence agencies will continue to gather information about the intentions of governments – as opposed to ordinary citizens – around the world, in the same way that the intelligence services of every other nation do, we will not apologize because our services may be more effective.  But heads of state and government with whom we work closely, on whose cooperation we depend, should feel confident that we are treating them as real partners. The changes the President ordered do just that.

International Engagement

To support our work, the President has directed changes to how our government is organized. The State Department will designate a senior officer to coordinate our diplomacy on issues related to technology and signals intelligence. The Administration will appoint a senior official at the White House to implement the new privacy safeguards that we have announced today.  And the President has also asked his Counselor, John Podesta, to lead a review of big data and privacy. This group will consist of government officials who—along with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology—will reach out to privacy experts, technologists and business leaders, and look at how the challenges inherent in big data are being  confronted by both the public and private sectors; whether we can forge international norms on how to manage this data; and how we can continue to promote the free flow of information in ways that are consistent with both privacy and security.  

The President also announced that we will devote resources to centralize and improve the process we use to handle foreign requests for legal assistance, called the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) process. Under MLAT, foreign partners can request access to information stored in the United States pursuant to U.S. law. As the concentration of U.S.-based cloud storage providers has increased, so has the number of MLAT requests. To address this increase, we will speed up and centralize MLAT processing; we will implement new technology to increase the efficiency and transparency of the process; and we will increase our international outreach and training to help ensure that requests meet U.S. legal standards.   We will put the necessary resources in place to reduce our response time by half by the end of 2015, and we will work aggressively to respond to legally sufficient requests in a matter of weeks. This change will ensure that our foreign partners can more effectively use information held in the U.S.  to prosecute terrorists and other criminals, while still meeting the strict privacy protections put in place by U.S. law.

***

In addition to the initiatives that were announced by the President, the Administration’s review affirmed our commitment to ongoing initiatives:

Consumer Privacy Codes of Conduct

Two years ago, the President released a Blueprint for Consumer Privacy in the Digital Age as a “dynamic model of how to offer strong privacy protection and enable ongoing innovation in new information technologies.”  Following the release of the Blueprint, the Administration has convened the private sector, privacy experts, and consumer advocates to develop voluntary codes of conduct to safeguard sensitive consumer data.  Last summer a multi-stakeholder group completed the first such code on how mobile apps should access private information.  The Department of Commerce is continuing this multi-stakeholder process, aiming to launch the development of new codes of conduct in 2014.

Commitment to an Open Internet

Maintaining an open, accessible Internet, including the ability to transmit data across borders freely is essential for global growth and development.  We will redouble our commitment to promote the free-flow of information around the world through an inclusive approach to Internet governance and policymaking.  Individuals in the 21st century depend on free and unfettered access to data flows without arbitrary government regulation.  Businesses depend increasingly on agreed data-sharing regimes that allow information to move seamlessly across borders in support of global business operations.  Developing countries and small businesses around the world in particular have a lot at stake, and much to lose from limitations restricting the Internet as an engine of prosperity and expression.  Requirements to store data or locate hardware in a given location hurt competition, stifle innovation, and diminish economic growth.  And they undermine the DNA of the Internet, which by design is a globally-distributed network of networks.   We will continue to support the multi-stakeholder, inclusive approach to the Internet and work to strengthen and make more inclusive its policy-making, standards-setting, and governance organizations.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2014

Presidential Policy Directive -- Signals Intelligence Activities

PRESIDENTIAL POLICY DIRECTIVE/PPD-28

SUBJECT: Signals Intelligence Activities

The United States, like other nations, has gathered intelligence throughout its history to ensure that national security and foreign policy decisionmakers have access to timely, accurate, and insightful information.

The collection of signals intelligence is necessary for the United States to advance its national security and foreign policy interests and to protect its citizens and the citizens of its allies and partners from harm. At the same time, signals intelligence activities and the possibility that such activities may be improperly disclosed to the public pose multiple risks. These include risks to: our relationships with other nations, including the cooperation we receive from other nations on law enforcement, counterterrorism, and other issues; our commercial, economic, and financial interests, including a potential loss of international trust in U.S. firms and the decreased willingness of other nations to participate in international data sharing, privacy, and regulatory regimes; the credibility of our commitment to an open, interoperable, and secure global Internet; and the protection of intelligence sources and methods.

In addition, our signals intelligence activities must take into account that all persons should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their nationality or wherever they might reside, and that all persons have legitimate privacy interests in the handling of their personal information.

In determining why, whether, when, and how the United States conducts signals intelligence activities, we must weigh all of these considerations in a context in which information and communications technologies are constantly changing. The evolution of technology has created a world where communications important to our national security and the communications all of us make as part of our daily lives are transmitted through the same channels. This presents new and diverse opportunities for, and challenges with respect to, the collection of intelligence – and especially signals intelligence. The United States Intelligence Community (IC) has achieved remarkable success in developing enhanced capabilities to perform its signals intelligence mission in this rapidly changing world, and these enhanced capabilities are a major reason we have been able to adapt to a dynamic and challenging security environment.1

The 1 For the purposes of this directive, the terms "Intelligence Community" and "elements of the Intelligence Community" shall have the same meaning as they do in Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981, as amended (Executive Order 12333).

United States must preserve and continue to develop a robust and technologically advanced signals intelligence capability to protect our security and that of our partners and allies. Our signals intelligence capabilities must also be agile enough to enable us to focus on fleeting opportunities or emerging crises and to address not only the issues of today, but also the issues of tomorrow, which we may not be able to foresee.

Advanced technologies can increase risks, as well as opportunities, however, and we must consider these risks when deploying our signals intelligence capabilities. The IC conducts signals intelligence activities with care and precision to ensure that its collection, retention, use, and dissemination of signals intelligence account for these risks. In light of the evolving technological and geopolitical environment, we must continue to ensure that our signals intelligence policies and practices appropriately take into account our alliances and other partnerships; the leadership role that the United States plays in upholding democratic principles and universal human rights; the increased globalization of trade, investment, and information flows; our commitment to an open, interoperable and secure global Internet; and the legitimate privacy and civil liberties concerns of U.S. citizens and citizens of other nations.

Presidents have long directed the acquisition of foreign intelligence and counterintelligence2 pursuant to their constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. They have also provided direction on the conduct of intelligence activities in furtherance of these authorities and responsibilities, as well as in execution of laws enacted by the Congress. Consistent with this historical practice, this directive articulates principles to guide why, whether, when, and how the United States conducts signals intelligence activities for authorized foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes.3

Section 1. Principles Governing the Collection of Signals Intelligence.
Signals intelligence collection shall be authorized and conducted consistent with the following principles:

(a) The collection of signals intelligence shall be authorized by statute or Executive Order, proclamation, or other Presidential directive, and undertaken in

2 For the purposes of this directive, the terms "foreign intelligence" and "counterintelligence" shall have the same meaning as they have in Executive Order 12333. Thus, "foreign intelligence" means "information relating to the capabilities, intentions, or activities of foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, foreign persons, or international terrorists," and "counterintelligence" means "information gathered and activities conducted to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations, or persons, or their agents, or international terrorist organizations or activities." Executive Order 12333 further notes that "[i]ntelligence includes foreign intelligence and counterintelligence."

3 Unless otherwise specified, this directive shall apply to signals intelligence activities conducted in order to collect communications or information about communications, except that it shall not apply to signals intelligence activities undertaken to test or develop signals intelligence capabilities. accordance with the Constitution and applicable statutes, Executive Orders, proclamations, and Presidential directives.

(b) Privacy and civil liberties shall be integral considerations in the planning of U.S. signals intelligence activities. The United States shall not collect signals intelligence for the purpose of suppressing or burdening criticism or dissent, or for disadvantaging persons based on their ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Signals intelligence shall be collected exclusively where there is a foreign intelligence or counterintelligence purpose to support national and departmental missions and not for any other purposes.

(c) The collection of foreign private commercial information or trade secrets is authorized only to protect the national security of the United States or its partners and allies. It is not an authorized foreign intelligence or counterintelligence purpose to collect such information to afford a competitive advantage4 to U.S. companies and U.S. business sectors commercially.

(d) Signals intelligence activities shall be as tailored as feasible. In determining whether to collect signals intelligence, the United States shall consider the availability of other information, including from diplomatic and public sources. Such appropriate and feasible alternatives to signals intelligence should be prioritized.

Sec. 2. Limitations on the Use of Signals Intelligence Collected in Bulk.

Locating new or emerging threats and other vital national security information is difficult, as such information is often hidden within the large and complex system of modern global communications. The United States must consequently collect signals intelligence in bulk5 in certain circumstances in order to identify these threats. Routine communications and communications of national security interest increasingly transit the same networks, however, and the collection of signals intelligence in bulk may consequently result in the collection of information about persons whose activities are not of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence value. The United States will therefore impose new limits on its use of signals intelligence collected in bulk. These limits are intended to protect the privacy and civil liberties of all persons, whatever their nationality and regardless of where they might reside.

In particular, when the United States collects nonpublicly available signals intelligence in bulk, it shall use that data

4 Certain economic purposes, such as identifying trade or sanctions violations or government influence or direction, shall not constitute competitive advantage.

5 The limitations contained in this section do not apply to signals intelligence data that is temporarily acquired to facilitate targeted collection. References to signals intelligence collected in "bulk" mean the authorized collection of large quantities of signals intelligence data which, due to technical or operational considerations, is acquired without the use of discriminants (e.g., specific identifiers, selection terms, etc.). only for the purposes of detecting and countering: (1) espionage and other threats and activities directed by foreign powers or their intelligence services against the United States and its interests; (2) threats to the United States and its interests from terrorism; (3) threats to the United States and its interests from the development, possession, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction; (4) cybersecurity threats; (5) threats to U.S. or allied Armed Forces or other U.S or allied personnel; and (6) transnational criminal threats, including illicit finance and sanctions evasion related to the other purposes named in this section. In no event may signals intelligence collected in bulk be used for the purpose of suppressing or burdening criticism or dissent; disadvantaging persons based on their ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion; affording a competitive advantage to U.S. companies and U.S. business sectors commercially; or achieving any purpose other than those identified in this section.

The Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor (APNSA), in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), shall coordinate, on at least an annual basis, a review of the permissible uses of signals intelligence collected in bulk through the National Security Council Principals and Deputies Committee system identified in PPD-1 or any successor document. At the end of this review, I will be presented with recommended additions to or removals from the list of the permissible uses of signals intelligence collected in bulk.

The DNI shall maintain a list of the permissible uses of signals intelligence collected in bulk. This list shall be updated as necessary and made publicly available to the maximum extent feasible, consistent with the national security.

Sec. 3. Refining the Process for Collecting Signals Intelligence.

U.S. intelligence collection activities present the potential for national security damage if improperly disclosed. Signals intelligence collection raises special concerns, given the opportunities and risks created by the constantly evolving technological and geopolitical environment; the unique nature of such collection and the inherent concerns raised when signals intelligence can only be collected in bulk; and the risk of damage to our national security interests and our law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, and diplomatic relationships should our capabilities or activities be compromised. It is, therefore, essential that national security policymakers consider carefully the value of signals intelligence activities in light of the risks entailed in conducting these activities.

To enable this judgment, the heads of departments and agencies that participate in the policy processes for establishing signals intelligence priorities and requirements shall, on an annual basis, review any priorities or requirements identified by their departments or agencies and advise the DNI whether each should be maintained, with a copy of the advice provided to the APNSA.

Additionally, the classified Annex to this directive, which supplements the existing policy process for reviewing signals intelligence activities, affirms that determinations about whether and how to conduct signals intelligence activities must carefully evaluate the benefits to our national interests and the risks posed by those activities.6

Sec. 4. Safeguarding Personal Information Collected Through Signals Intelligence.

All persons should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their nationality or wherever they might reside, and all persons have legitimate privacy interests in the handling of their personal information.7 U.S. signals intelligence activities must, therefore, include appropriate safeguards for the personal information of all individuals, regardless of the nationality of the individual to whom the information pertains or where that individual resides.8

(a) Policies and Procedures. The DNI, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall ensure that all elements of the IC establish policies and procedures that apply the following principles for safeguarding personal information collected from signals intelligence activities. To the maximum extent feasible consistent with the national security, these policies and procedures are to be applied equally to the personal information of all persons, regardless of nationality:9

i. Minimization. The sharing of intelligence that contains personal information is necessary to protect our national security and advance our foreign policy interests, as it enables the United States to coordinate activities across our government. At the same time, however, by setting appropriate limits on such sharing, the United States takes legitimate privacy concerns into account and decreases the risks that personal information will be misused or mishandled. Relatedly, the significance to our national security of intelligence is not always apparent upon an initial review of information: intelligence must be retained for a sufficient period of time for the IC to understand its relevance and use

6 Section 3 of this directive, and the directive's classified Annex, do not apply to (1) signals intelligence activities undertaken by or for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in support of predicated investigations other than those conducted solely for purposes of acquiring foreign intelligence; or (2) signals intelligence activities undertaken in support of military operations in an area of active hostilities, covert action, or human intelligence operations.

7 Departments and agencies shall apply the term "personal information" in a manner that is consistent for U.S. persons and non-U.S. persons. Accordingly, for the purposes of this directive, the term "personal information" shall cover the same types of information covered by "information concerning U.S. persons" under section 2.3 of Executive Order 12333.

8 The collection, retention, and dissemination of information concerning "United States persons" is governed by multiple legal and policy requirements, such as those required by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and Executive Order 12333. For the purposes of this directive, the term "United States person" shall have the same meaning as it does in Executive Order 12333.

9 The policies and procedures of affected elements of the IC shall also be consistent with any additional IC policies, standards, procedures, and guidance the DNI, in coordination with the Attorney General, the heads of IC elements, and the heads of any other departments containing such elements, may issue to implement these principles. This directive is not intended to alter the rules applicable to U.S. persons in Executive Order 12333, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or other applicable law.

it to meet our national security needs. However, long-term storage of personal information unnecessary to protect our national security is inefficient, unnecessary, and raises legitimate privacy concerns. Accordingly, IC elements shall establish policies and procedures reasonably designed to minimize the dissemination and retention of personal information collected from signals intelligence activities.

  • Dissemination: Personal information shall be disseminated only if the dissemination of comparable information concerning U.S. persons would be permitted under section 2.3 of Executive Order 12333.

  • Retention: Personal information shall be retained only if the retention of comparable information concerning U.S. persons would be permitted under section 2.3 of Executive Order 12333 and shall be subject to the same retention periods as applied to comparable information concerning U.S. persons. Information for which no such determination has been made shall not be retained for more than 5 years, unless the DNI expressly determines that continued retention is in the national security interests of the United States.

Additionally, within 180 days of the date of this directive, the DNI, in coordination with the Attorney General, the heads of other elements of the IC, and the heads of departments and agencies containing other elements of the IC, shall prepare a report evaluating possible additional dissemination and retention safeguards for personal information collected through signals intelligence, consistent with technical capabilities and operational needs.

ii. Data Security and Access. When our national security and foreign policy needs require us to retain certain intelligence, it is vital that the United States take appropriate steps to ensure that any personal information contained within that intelligence is secure. Accordingly, personal information shall be processed and stored under conditions that provide adequate protection and prevent access by unauthorized persons, consistent with the applicable safeguards for sensitive information contained in relevant Executive Orders, proclamations, Presidential directives, IC directives, and associated policies. Access to such personal information shall be limited to authorized personnel with a need to know the information to perform their mission, consistent with the personnel security requirements of relevant Executive Orders, IC directives, and associated policies. Such personnel will be provided appropriate and adequate training in the principles set forth in this directive. These persons may access and use the information consistent with applicable laws and Executive Orders and the principles of this directive; personal information for which no determination has been made that it can be permissibly disseminated or retained under section 4(a)(i) of this directive shall be accessed only in order to make such determinations (or to conduct authorized administrative, security, and oversight functions).

iii. Data Quality. IC elements strive to provide national security policymakers with timely, accurate, and insightful intelligence, and inaccurate records and reporting can not only undermine our national security interests, but also can result in the collection or analysis of information relating to persons whose activities are not of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence value. Accordingly, personal information shall be included in intelligence products only as consistent with applicable IC standards for accuracy and objectivity, as set forth in relevant IC directives. Moreover, while IC elements should apply the IC Analytic Standards as a whole, particular care should be taken to apply standards relating to the quality and reliability of the information, consideration of alternative sources of information and interpretations of data, and objectivity in performing analysis.

iv. Oversight. The IC has long recognized that effective oversight is necessary to ensure that we are protecting our national security in a manner consistent with our interests and values. Accordingly, the policies and procedures of IC elements, and departments and agencies containing IC elements, shall include appropriate measures to facilitate oversight over the implementation of safeguards protecting personal information, to include periodic auditing against the standards required by this section.

The policies and procedures shall also recognize and facilitate the performance of oversight by the Inspectors General of IC elements, and departments and agencies containing IC elements, and other relevant oversight entities, as appropriate and consistent with their responsibilities. When a significant compliance issue occurs involving personal information of any person, regardless of nationality, collected as a result of signals intelligence activities, the issue shall, in addition to any existing reporting requirements, be reported promptly to the DNI, who shall determine what, if any, corrective actions are necessary. If the issue involves a non-United States person, the DNI, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the head of the notifying department or agency, shall determine whether steps should be taken to notify the relevant foreign government, consistent with the protection of sources and methods and of U.S. personnel.

(b) Update and Publication. Within 1 year of the date of this directive, IC elements shall update or issue new policies and procedures as necessary to implement section 4 of this directive, in coordination with the DNI. To enhance public understanding of, and promote public trust in, the safeguards in place to protect personal information, these updated or newly issued policies and procedures shall be publicly released to the maximum extent possible, consistent with classification requirements.

(c) Privacy and Civil Liberties Policy Official. To help ensure that the legitimate privacy interests all people share related to the handling of their personal information are appropriately considered in light of the principles in this section, the APNSA, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shall identify one or more senior officials who will be responsible for working with the DNI, the Attorney General, the heads of other elements of the IC, and the heads of departments and agencies containing other elements of the IC, as appropriate, as they develop the policies and procedures called for in this section.

(d) Coordinator for International Diplomacy. The Secretary of State shall identify a senior official within the Department of State to coordinate with the responsible departments and agencies the United States Government's diplomatic and foreign policy efforts related to international information technology issues and to serve as a point of contact for foreign governments who wish to raise concerns regarding signals intelligence activities conducted by the United States.

Sec. 5. Reports.

(a) Within 180 days of the date of this directive, the DNI shall provide a status report that updates me on the progress of the IC's implementation of section 4 of this directive.

(b) The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is encouraged to provide me with a report that assesses the implementation of any matters contained within this directive that fall within its mandate.

(c) Within 120 days of the date of this directive, the President's Intelligence Advisory Board shall provide me with a report identifying options for assessing the distinction between metadata and other types of information, and for replacing the "need-to-share" or "need-to-know" models for classified information sharing with a Work-Related Access model.

(d) Within 1 year of the date of this directive, the DNI, in coordination with the heads of relevant elements of the IC and OSTP, shall provide me with a report assessing the feasibility of creating software that would allow the IC more easily to conduct targeted information acquisition rather than bulk collection.
Sec. 6. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this directive shall be construed to prevent me from exercising my constitutional authority, including as Commander in Chief, Chief Executive, and in the conduct of foreign affairs, as well as my statutory authority. Consistent with this principle, a recipient of this directive may at any time recommend to me, through the APNSA, a change to the policies and procedures contained in this directive.

(b) Nothing in this directive shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the authority or responsibility granted by law to a United States Government department or agency, or the head thereof, or the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. This directive is intended to supplement existing processes or procedures for reviewing foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities and should not be read to supersede such processes and procedures unless explicitly stated.

(c) This directive shall be implemented consistent with applicable U.S. law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(d) This directive is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 16, 2014

President Obama Announces his Intent to Appoint Fifteen Individuals to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint fifteen individuals to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans.  This Commission is charged with strengthening the nation by improving educational outcomes for African Americans to ensure that all African Americans receive an education that prepares them for college, productive careers, and satisfying lives.  This mission is part of the Administration’s broader mandate to restore the country to its role as the global leader in education.  These members will advise the President and the Secretary of Education on ways to advance federal programs that improve educational opportunities for African Americans, increase participation of the African American community in federal agency programs, and engage stakeholders in a national dialogue on the mission.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to the President’s Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans:

  • Angela Glover Blackwell  – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Barbara T. Bowman – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Gwendolyn E. Boyd – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Walter G. Bumphus – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • James P. Comer – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Al Dotson, Jr. – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Akosua Barthwell Evans – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Jim Freeman – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Michael L. Lomax – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Bryant T. Marks – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Robert K. Ross – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Doris A. Smith-Ribner – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • Ronald A. Williams – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
  • TyKiah R. Wright – Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

President Obama said, “These fine public servants bring both a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles.  Our nation will be well-served by these men and women, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.” 

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans:

Angela Glover Blackwell, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Angela Glover Blackwell is the Chief Executive Officer of PolicyLink, an institute she founded in 1999.  Prior to her current role, Ms. Blackwell was the Senior Vice President of the Rockefeller Foundation from 1995 to 1998.  From 1987 to 1994, Ms. Blackwell was the President of Urban Strategies Council, a community building, support, and advocacy organization she founded in 1987.  Prior to that, Ms. Blackwell was a Partner at Public Advocates from 1977 to 1987.  She has been a Member of the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships since 2011.  Ms. Blackwell received a B.A. from Howard University and a J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. 

Barbara T. Bowman, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Barbara T. Bowman is the Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development at the Erikson Institute, a position she has held since 2002.  Ms. Bowman has taught and held a number of administrative positions at the Erikson Institute since 1966, serving as its President from 1994 to 2002.  From 2004 to 2012, Ms. Bowman served as Chief Officer of Early Childhood Education for Chicago Public Schools.  In 2009, she served as a consultant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.  She is past president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has served on numerous boards, including the High Scope Educational Foundation, the Institute for Psychoanalysis, Business People in the Public Interest, the Great Books Foundation, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  She is the recipient of the Voices for Illinois’ Children Start Early Award, Chicago Association for the Education of Young Children Outstanding Service to Children Award, Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, and the National Black Child Development Institute Leadership Award.  Ms. Bowman received a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and a M.A. in Education from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd most recently served as an engineer and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, positions she began in 2004.  In this role, Dr. Boyd was responsible for the coordination and development of Historically Black Colleges and Universities initiatives and managed the Applied Physics Laboratory ATLAS Internship Program.  In December 2013, Dr. Boyd was selected as the next President of Alabama State University.  Dr. Boyd served as Assistant for Development Programs from 1998 to 2004 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and was a Submarine Navigation Systems Analyst from 1980 to 1998.  Dr. Boyd also served as a member and Chair of the Johns Hopkins University Diversity Leadership Council.  She is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.  Dr. Boyd received a B.S. from Alabama State University, an M.S. from Yale University, and both a M.Div. and D.Min. from Howard University.

Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. Walter G. Bumphus is currently the President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, a position he has held since 2011.  Previously, Dr. Bumphus served as Chair of the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin and as a professor in the Community College Leadership Program from 2007 to 2011.  From 2001 to 2007, Dr. Bumphus served as President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.  He was also the Chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College from 2000 to 2001.  Dr. Bumphus received a B.A. and M.A. from Murray State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas.

Dr. James P. Comer, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. James P. Comer is the Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University Child Study Center, a position he has held since 1975.  Dr. Comer first joined the Yale faculty and founded the Comer School Development Program in 1968, a program designed to improve scholastic performance of children from lower-income and minority backgrounds in particular.  In 2006, Dr. Comer served as Chair of the Roundtable on Child and Adolescent Development Research and Teacher Education.  He served as a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's Commission on the Whole Child in 2006.  He has received many awards for his work, including the Heinz Award for the Human Condition, the University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Education, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, and 48 honorary degrees.  He also served in the military, completing his service in 1968 with the rank of Surgeon (Lt. Colonel) in the U.S. Public Health Service.  Dr. Comer received a B.A. from Indiana University, an M.D. from Howard University, and an M.P.H. from the University of Michigan.

Al Dotson, Jr., Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Al Dotson, Jr. has been a partner of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod since 1998.  He previously was a partner at Eckert Seamans from 1995 to 1998, an associate at Jenner & Block from 1990 to 1993, and an associate at Fine Jacobson Schwartz Block & England from 1987 to 1990.  He is Chairman Emeritus and a member of the Executive Committee of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., a men’s civic organization founded to mentor, educate, and empower African American youth.  Mr. Dotson previously served 100 Black Men of America, Inc. as Chairman from 2004 to 2012 and Vice Chairman from 1996 to 2004.  Mr. Dotson received an A.B. from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

Dr. Akosua Barthwell Evans, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. Akosua Barthwell Evans is currently the Chief Executive Officer of The Barthwell Group, a strategic management consulting firm that she founded in 2005.  Previously, Dr. Evans was a Managing Director of Endowments and Foundations at JPMorgan’s Fleming Asset Management from 2003 to 2005.  Prior to that, she was a Managing Director from 2002 to 2003 and Vice President from 2000 to 2002 at JPMorgan Private Bank.  Dr. Evans previously worked as an attorney at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and at Sullivan & Cromwell.  She was the Director of Minority Economic Development for New Detroit, Inc. from 1979 to 1980 and worked as a Political Affairs Officer at the U.N. Secretariat Centre Against Apartheid from 1978 to 1979.  She serves on the Detroit Historical Society Board of Trustees and the Student Veterans of America Board of Advisors.  Dr. Evans is the founder and past chairperson of The Friends of Education at The Museum of Modern Art.  In 2011, she received the Entrepreneur Leadership Award at the STEM Women of Color Conference.  Dr. Evans received a B.A. from Barnard College, a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Jim Freeman, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Jim Freeman is an independent consultant supporting grassroots advocacy campaigns that focus on education, juvenile justice, and youth employment.  Mr. Freeman is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, a position he has held since 2009.  Previously, Mr. Freeman was at the Advancement Project, serving as Senior Attorney from 2010 to 2012, Project Director from 2008 to 2012, Staff Attorney from 2006 to 2010, and Skadden Fellow from 2004 to 2006.  Mr. Freeman was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable James R. Browning on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2003 to 2004.  Mr. Freeman received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks is currently the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Black Justice Coalition, a position she has held since 2009.  Previously, Ms. Lettman-Hicks served as Executive Vice President of People for the American Way from 2001 to 2009.  Ms. Lettman-Hicks serves on the Steering Committee for the National LGBTQ Domestic Violence Capacity Building Learning Center and the National Business Inclusion Consortium for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.  Formerly, she served on the Project Advisory Committee for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s LGBT Safe Schools Initiative and the Executive Committee of the National Black Leadership Forum.  Ms. Lettman-Hicks is a life member of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.  

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Dr. Michael L. Lomax is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Negro College Fund, a position he has held since 2004.  Previously, Dr. Lomax served as President and Professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University from 1997 to 2004.  From 1994 to 1997, Dr. Lomax was the President of The National Faculty in Atlanta.  From 1992 to 1994, he was the Vice President and Managing Director for the Wilson Financial Group.  From 1989 to 1992, Dr. Lomax was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Amistad Corporation and he served as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from 1981 to 1993.  Dr. Lomax received a B.A. from Morehouse College, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in American and Afro-American Literature from Emory University.

Dr. Bryant T. Marks, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Dr. Bryant T. Marks is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Morehouse College and serves as the Director of the Morehouse Research Institute and Director of the Morehouse Male Initiative, which serves as a national resource regarding research and best practices related to the affirmative personal and academic development of African American males.  He is also a Faculty Associate of the Education and Well Being Program at the Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan.  Previously, Dr. Marks served as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology and African American Studies at the University of Illinois from 2000 to 2004.  Dr. Marks also serves on the Morehouse College Board of Trustees as well as the national advisory boards of the United Negro College Fund, The College Board, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and several review panels for the National Science Foundation.  Dr. Marks received a B.A. from Morehouse College, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Robert K. Ross, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. Robert K. Ross is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer for The California Endowment, a position he has held since 2000.  Previously, Dr. Ross served as Director of the Health and Human Services Agency for the County of San Diego from 1993 to 2000.  From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Ross served as Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Philadelphia.  He served as a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, and on the boards of the National Marrow Donor Program, the San Diego United Way, and the Jackie Robinson YMCA.  He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  He has served on the President’s Summit for America’s Future and as chairman of the national Boost for Kids Initiative.  He received the
Outstanding Community Service Award from the Volunteers of America, the Leadership Award from the
Hospital Council of San Diego and Imperial Counties, and the National Association of Health Services Executives’ Health Administrator of the Year Citation.  Dr. Ross received a B.A, an M.P.A., and an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Judge Doris A. Smith-Ribner, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Judge Doris A. Smith-Ribner served as a State Appeals Court Judge in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court from 1988 until her retirement in 2009.  Judge Smith-Ribner served as a member of the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission from 2006 to 2009 and currently serves on the Commission’s Criminal Justice and Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committees.  Judge Smith-Ribner was appointed to the Pennsylvania Judicial Auditing Agency in 1991 and served as Chairperson from 1999 to 2004.  In 1984, she was nominated by the Governor of Pennsylvania to serve on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, where she was assigned to the Juvenile Division.  Judge Smith-Ribner was nominated by Pennsylvania Governors in 1974 and 1980 to serve as Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.  She is recipient of the "Thaddeus Stevens Award" by the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia.  Judge Smith-Ribner received a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Dr. Ronald A. Williams, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

Dr. Ronald A. Williams was Vice President of The College Board from 2007 until his recent retirement in 2013.  He was President of Prince George’s Community College from 1999 to 2007.  Prior to that, Dr. Williams worked at the Community College of Philadelphia as Acting President from 1997 to 1999 and as Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1994 to 1998.  He was Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Services at the Minnesota Community College System from 1991 to 1994, Interim President of Lakewood Community College from 1993 to 1994, and Assistant Executive Director of Community-Technical Colleges of Connecticut from 1987 to 1991.  Dr. Williams received a B.A., an M.A., and a Ph.D. from Lehigh University.

TyKiah R. Wright, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans

TyKiah R. Wright is currently the President of WrightChoice, Inc., a workforce development organization she founded in 2002 focusing on professional development, job readiness, experiential learning, internship placement, disability inclusion, and diversity training.  Previously, Ms. Wright served as the Statewide Coordinator for the Ohio High School High Tech program from 2003 to 2006, which promoted science, math, and technology opportunities for high school students with disabilities.  Ms. Wright was an Independent Living Advocate for the MOBILE Center for Independent Living from 2002 to 2004.  She currently serves as a Commissioner for the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission and on the Alumni Board of Directors for Wright State University.  Ms. Wright received a B.S. and an M.A. from Wright State University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 16, 2014

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Stephen R. Bough, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, vice Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., retiring.

Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada, vice Philip M. Pro,retired.

Salvador Mendoza, Jr., of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, vice Lonny R. Suko, retired.

Staci Michelle Yandle, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, vice John Phil Gilbert,retiring.

Gustavo Velasquez Aguilar, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice John D. Trasvina, resigned.

Richard Christman, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2017.  (Reappointment)

Maria Conteras-Sweet, of California, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, vice Karen Gordon Mills, resigned.

Nina Hachigian, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of fourteen years from February 1, 2014.  (Reappointment)

Shamina Singh, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2014, vice Alan D. Solomont, resigned.

Shamina Singh, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2019.  (Reappointment)

Matthew H. Tueller, of Utah, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Yemen.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 16, 2014

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

  • Rick Christman – Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service 

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Rick Christman, Nominee for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

Rick Christman has been the CEO of Employment Solutions since 1989.  He was a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service from April 2012 to October 2013.  Mr. Christman was the Executive Director at the Bluegrass Association for Retarded Children from 1985 to 1989.  From 1981 to 1985, Rick Christman was the Director for Mental Retardation Services at the Western Kentucky Regional MH-MR Board.  Before that, Mr. Christman was a Rehabilitation Specialist at the J.U. Kevil Center from 1977 to 1981 and a Special Education Teacher in Elroy Wisconsin from 1975 to 1976.  Mr. Christman received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.